The end of a successful First Division campaign,
finishing seventh, a year after coming up. Quite a remarkable achievement. If only we
hadn’t had such a poor run over Christmas. The squad is now to be prepared for next
year's promotion push. However, a prominent trend is being continued, a trend which
worries me greatly. Two player's contracts were up this summer. Whilst both performed well
in the run-in, only one was offered a new contract. One was 24, and the other 33. Can you
guess where this is going? Whilst Armstrong gains a year's extension, Paul Smith earns
himself a free transfer. He is accompanied on the free list by Messieurs Scott,
Williamson, Devenney, Kevan and Boardman. Players such as Heywood have already left for
pastures new, earlier on in the season. Jepson meanwhile has lost his battle with age,
injury and pies, and has retired from the game (to take up Sumo wrestling?).
The squad now needs to be added to. With the loss of all these
young players, surely the squad is now weak. Players like Thomas now seem to be past it.
Their legs have gone. Whilst a player of that calibre is always useful to have in the
squad, his first team days should be numbered.
I am questioning, if only slightly, Stan’s policy of squad
selection. Since he arrived and officially opened the Ternent Retirement Home for the
elderly and those reaching the twilight of their careers (or anyone who has ever played
for Bury), older players were sensibly bought in, to steady the ailing ship, and there can
be no doubt that their experience was vital in gaining promotion and surviving this year.
Surely it is now time to put some of the older cows out to pasture?
The Burnley back line, much like the great Arsenal back five,
consists mainly of over thirties, Michopoulos, West, Davis, Thomas and Armstrong all
highlighting this fact. The experience they provide is not being questioned, nor is the
cunning and awareness they have offered. They know what it is like to win and have been
there and done it. Cook, Ball, Payton and Johnrose are further examples of this
experienced core. How is it that all of these players can maintain their status? Surely it
is time for a change?
Whilst I am still willing to accept that players of experience are
necessary to the heart of the squad, and even first team, we need more youthful exuberance
to kick-start the revolution that has been Burnley Football Club. It is a mix of youth and
experience which seems to be the key to success in modern football.
The great United team of the early nineties combined the mix of
Pallister, Bruce, Hughes and Ince with the younger, raw talents of Beckham, Scholes and
the Neville brothers. These players have matured into world beaters, England
internationals, and the team is now untouchable. This new blend turned a team who were
nobody into a team that was somebody. The policy of blooding youngsters continues, with
players like Stewart and Chadwick progressing into the side this season.
Leeds, Liverpool and Ipswich are all battling for Champions League
places. Leeds' young squad is well known and much talked about. Ipswich meanwhile, have
taken the league by storm, mainly due to the emergence of young talent, such as R Wright,
Armstrong, J Wright, Bramble, and many of the other young players. Liverpool also have
good examples, such as Owen, Carragher and Gerrard - all quality players.
Youth policy has paid off at our level, as Preston, Fulham and,
although it pains me to say it, blackburn, have all used their young players to great
effect, with Macken, Davis, Duff and Jansen all shining examples.
The time has come for change. Why are all these young players being
released, before they are given a chance? This season, Maylett has been a bench warmer at
best, whilst the only other young player to get a chance, Shandran, only gets 20 minutes
as a sub at Crewe. The summer recruitment policy must be to bring in younger players, to
add more zest to the team. Youngsters need to be given the chance to mature. The signs are
good; Moore is young and keen, and is playing better with each game, and at 24, he has yet
to fully mature, so is a good prospect.
"You can’t win anything with kids?" Well, I’m
afraid the evidence suggests otherwise. The future should be bright. The future should be
young. Stan, nurse through the youngsters, and let's push for the top two.
